AGENTIC DOLLARS
ON BITCOIN
Powered by local AI
Two days to build self-custodial dollar apps driven by models that run on device. No cloud, no custodian. Whether you come from AI, crypto, web3 or payments, this weekend is for you.
For any question, reach out to info.rgb@proton.me
The venue: BLOX, central Turin
First prize
and a guaranteed place in the CypherTank finals, Lugano’s Bitcoin startup contest. Second €1,500. Third €500.
What is CypherTank?
A pitch competition and business-reality format for Bitcoin and freedom tech projects, now in its second season, promoted and funded by the Plan B VC Fund and the Plan B Foundation in Lugano.
Twelve finalist projects pitch over two days in front of a board of judges, negotiating direct investment and competing for three prizes worth 100,000 dollars each in incubation, acceleration and relocation services. The final is recorded and published as episodes, and every finalist gets mentorship, promotion and access to the Plan B network.
Our main sponsor
Main sponsor of the hackathon, backing open-source development on Bitcoin. The WDK and QVAC teams will join us on site as mentors across both days.
Co-sponsor
Co-sponsor of the hackathon and a member of RGB Protocol Association, building the infrastructure for USDT on Bitcoin and Lightning with RGB. Members of the Utexo team will also sit on the jury.
Our media partner
Italian-born media covering Bitcoin, with daily news, interviews and in-depth analysis in Italian and English. Atlas21 will follow the hackathon and the projects that come out of it.
What you can build
Four directions,
no fixed brief
These tracks are about local AI, payments and wallets for digital dollars you hold yourself. If you build with AI, ship crypto or web3 products, or work on payments, you already have what it takes.
Bitcoin is just the settlement layer underneath, and we’ll show you how it works.
Invoicing, payroll, cross-border flows
Wallets, savings, shared accounts
On-device budgeting and fraud alerts
Local AI that proposes, you approve
How it works
The weekend
Schedule
Mentors are on site across both days to answer participants’ questions.
Meals are covered during the event. The detailed run of show goes out to confirmed participants before the weekend.
How projects are judged
Five criteria,
equal weight
Every judge scores each project from 1 to 10 on the five criteria below. We tell you upfront, so you can build for it.
Questions
Do I need to know Bitcoin already?
No. Most people who apply have never used RGB or built on Bitcoin, and that is exactly who this weekend is for. Recorded tutorials for all three tools are already available, and mentors will be on site both days. What matters is that you want to build something.
Can I apply without a team?
Yes, and a lot of people do. When compiling the form, tell us that you are applying solo, and we will help you find teammates before the event, or on the first morning. The teams are composed of two to four people.
How are applications selected?
We read every application. We look for motivation and for a clear vision of what you want to build around AI and payment infrastructure, not for a long CV or years of experience. Places are limited to around 70, so tell us honestly what draws you here.
When will I hear back about my application?
Admitted builders receive a confirmation email by Thursday, October 8. Check your spam folder as well. For any question about your application, write to info.rgb@proton.me.
Is it free? Are meals covered?
The hackathon is free to attend. Lunch on Saturday, an afternoon coffee break and breakfast on Sunday are covered for all participants. You only cover your own travel and accommodation.
Do I have to use RGB, QVAC and WDK?
RGB and QVAC are required for every project. WDK is optional, but strongly encouraged: integrating self-custodial wallets earns bonus points during judging.
Who are the judges?
Projects are judged by team members from Tether, KaleidoSwap and Utexo: the teams building on RGB, QVAC and WDK in production. Full judging lineup announced closer to the event.
What kind of laptop do I need?
Nothing exotic. The models we recommend for this hackathon are small and quantized, and run on an ordinary laptop. You only need one capable machine per team, not one each, and mentors are on site to help with setup. Recommended models and minimum specs come with the tutorials.
Can I bring a project I already started?
Yes, but we only judge what you build during the hackathon. Declare what already exists when you arrive, keep the weekend’s work in dated commits, and do the RGB and QVAC integration on site.
What time does the event actually end on Sunday?
Pitches start at 16:00 and we keep them tight. The awards ceremony starts at 18:00 and the event ends at 19:00, so everyone can head home at a reasonable hour. This decision is designed with train travelers in mind, so you shouldn’t need to worry about missing the last one of the day.
Why local AI
The model runs on
your device
An agent that handles your money should not ship your finances to someone else’s server. Local models mean the reasoning stays private, works offline, and costs nothing per call. Pair on-device AI with self-custody and Bitcoin settlement, and the whole flow stays in the user’s hands.
Private by defaultWorks offlineNo per-call costWho should join
No Bitcoin background
required
This is a builders’ weekend for people who like AI, payments and shipping things fast. Whatever chain or stack you come from, you are welcome. If you come alone, we’ll help you find teammates.
The tools
Start exploring
before you arrive
Everything you need is open and public. Have a look now, and if it feels unfamiliar, rest assured: recorded tutorials for each tool are already available.
Issue, transfer and verify assets on Bitcoin, with client-side validation. Every project builds on it.
Run AI models directly on device, from inference to fine-tuning, with no cloud and no per-call cost.
Embed a self-custodial wallet into your app: hold, sign and send, without holding anyone’s keys but your user’s.
BUILD IT
IN TURIN
70 places / applications close on October 5th, 12:00 CEST
Applications closed